Driver Sentenced to 7 Years for Fatal Crash Ahead of Couple's Wedding

A court has sentenced Suria Abu Arar to seven years in prison for causing a fatal car accident that killed Shahaf Danino and Eliab Abukasis, who were engaged and set to marry in three months. Abu Arar was convicted of two counts of reckless homicide after admitting guilt.

The accident occurred in February 2025 when the victims, Shahaf (28) and Eliab (23) from Beersheba, were driving to pick strawberries. Abu Arar, driving from Ar'arat, was speeding in the oncoming lane, passing on a solid line, and collided head-on with the couple's vehicle, resulting in their deaths.

Shahaf's father, a veteran Magen David Adom paramedic, was among the first responders and was devastated to discover his daughter and her fiancé were the victims. Adding to the families' distress, Abu Arar's vehicle was returned to her by court order just months after the crash, despite her attempt to conceal evidence by stealing the car's camera, which was later recovered by police. The court also noted her claim that the impoundment "severely and disproportionately harmed her property rights."

During the sentencing hearing, Shahaf's sister described Abu Arar's demeanor as indifferent and lacking genuine remorse. Shahaf's brother recounted that Abu Arar seemed more concerned about getting her car back, entering the hearing with a wide smile, which he found deeply upsetting. The court initially imposed an administrative driving ban, which expired after 90 days.